The Russian principal dancer’s death has been ruled as an accident by authorities.
Acclaimed Russian ballet dancer Vladimir Shklyarov has died at only 39 years of age. According to authorities, he accidentally fell from a balcony on the fifth floor of an apartment block.
The Mariinsky Theatre, where Shklyarov ranked as a principal dancer, was the first to share the tragic incident with news outlet Fontanka.
His fall was discovered early on Saturday morning and Anna Kasatkina, the theater’s spokesperson, told Russian media that Shklyarov had been taking painkillers for a back injury. He had been scheduled to undergo spinal surgery on Monday.
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An Artistic Legacy
The Mariinsky has stated that there will be a farewell ceremony for Shklyarov on Thursday ahead of his funeral later that day. Members of the public are welcome to pay their respects as the dancer was widely beloved and respected.
“He has forever inscribed his name in the history of world ballet,” the Mariinsky said, noting his prestigious accolades and his impressive ballet repertoire, where he has taken leading roles in numerous productions.
Born in Leningrad, now Saint Petersburg, on February 9, 1985, Shklyarov trained at the Vaganova Academy of Russian Ballet, the Mariinsky’s associate school. After graduating in 2003, he joined the Mariinsky Ballet in the same year.
By 2011, he was promoted to principal dancer. His career spanned 20 years, starring in productions of La Sylphide, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, Romeo and Juliet, Don Quixote, Alice in Wonderland, and many more.
Shklyarov has also earned international acclaim, as he performed with the Metropolitan Opera in New York City, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., the Royal Opera House in London, and the Bavarian State Ballet in Munich.
Gone Too Soon
In 2013, Shklyarov married ballerina and first soloist at the Mariinsky, Maria Shirinkina. Together, they have two children.
Fellow dancer Irina Bartnovskaya was one of the first to publicize the news of Shklyarov’s death, writing a post on Telegram and calling it “a stupid, unbearable accident.” She also said that he “went out onto the balcony to get some air and smoke” and “lost his balance.”
The American Ballet Theater, where Shklyarov performed as a guest artist in 2014 and 2015, also shared a post on Instagram.
“Today, we mourn the tragic loss of Vladimir Shklyarov, an extraordinary artist whose grace and passion inspired audiences worldwide,” the caption read.
“Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his brilliance. Rest in peace, Vladimir. Your light will continue to shine through the beauty you brought to this world.”
Fellow principal dancer at the Mariinsky, Diana Vishneva, took to X to share a heartfelt message for her colleague and friend. “This tragedy brings only tears and sadness,” she began.
“Volodya, it is impossible to comprehenсe how early and unfair you passed away. This is the tragedy for our theatre, our common grief, feeling of emptiness. My beautiful Romeo, my Prince in Cinderella. RIP.”
Banner image via Instagram @vladimir_shklyarov.
